Scaling the Skies: A Visit to the Iconic Redcar Beacon

 Nestled on the rugged and beautiful North Yorkshire coastline lies a vertical pier that has sparked conversation, divided opinions, and ultimately become a symbol of modern seaside regeneration. The Redcar Beacon, a striking 80-foot structure, stands as a sentinel over the Esplanade, offering visitors a perspective of the Teesside coast that was once reserved only for the gulls.

Whether you are a local rediscovering your hometown or a traveller exploring the hidden gems of Northern England, the Beacon is a must-visit destination. In this post, we’ll take a deep dive into why this "vertical pier" is the heartbeat of Redcar's seafront.

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An Architectural Marvel on the Esplanade

The first thing you notice about the Redcar Beacon is its unapologetic design. Rising seven stories into the North Sea breeze, its cylindrical form is wrapped in a shimmering, helical steel mesh that glows with purple and gold accents.

Designed as part of a multi-million-pound regeneration project, the Beacon wasn't just built to be looked at—it was built to be experienced. As you approach from the sandy expanse of Redcar Beach, the structure looms over the concrete sea defences, a futuristic contrast to the traditional Victorian terraces that line the nearby streets.

The Ascent: A Journey Through the Clouds

What makes the Redcar Beacon truly special is the journey to the top. The structure features a series of internal and external walkways that spiral upward.

• The Ground Floor: Often home to small independent businesses or information points, the base is the gateway to your climb.

• The Creative Hub: As you ascend, you’ll notice studio spaces designed for creative industries, adding a layer of functional art to the building.

• The Viewing Platform: This is the crown jewel. Once you reach the top, you are greeted by an open-air gallery that offers 360-degree panoramic views.

A View Like No Other

Standing on the top deck of the Beacon, the wind in your hair and the salt on your lips, the scale of the North East landscape unfolds before you.

Looking South: The Cliffs of Saltburn

Scanning southwards, your eyes follow the curve of the bay toward the dramatic cliffs of Huntcliff near Saltburn-by-the-Sea. On a clear day, the contrast between the deep blue of the North Sea and the lush greenery of the Cleveland Way is breathtaking. You can watch the waves roll in across the "scars"—the rocky outcrops visible at low tide—creating intricate patterns in the sand.

Looking North: The Industrial Skyline

Turning to the north, the view shifts from natural beauty to industrial heritage. You can see the mouth of the River Tees and the sprawling silhouettes of the Teesside industry. It’s a powerful reminder of the region’s "Ironopolis" roots, where the steel that built the world was forged. Beyond the industry, the wind turbines of the Teesside Offshore Windfarm stand like toothpicks in the ocean.

Looking Inland: The Gateway to the Moors

If you turn your back to the sea, you aren't disappointed. The view inland reveals the tight-knit grid of Redcar’s streets, leading the eye toward the distant, rolling silhouettes of the North York Moors. It is a rare spot where you can truly appreciate how the coast and the country collide in this part of England.

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More Than Just a View: The Regent and Beyond

From the elevated vantage point of the Beacon, you can spot the other new addition to the skyline: The Regent Cinema. This sleek, modern building sits right on the edge of the beach, continuing the theme of modern architecture revitalizing the seafront. Between the Beacon and the Regent, Redcar has successfully blended its nostalgic "lemon top" ice cream heritage with a forward-thinking aesthetic.

Tips for Your Visit

If you're planning a trip to the Redcar Beacon, here are a few things to keep in mind:

1. Check the Weather: The North Sea can be temperamental. While the Beacon is sturdy, the viewing platform is open-air. A clear, sunny day offers the best visibility, but a moody, overcast sky makes for some incredible dramatic photography.

2. Bring Your Camera: Whether you have a professional DSLR or a smartphone, the angles provided by the spiral mesh and the heights are a photographer's dream.

3. Explore the Beach: After your descent, take a walk on the vast sands. At low tide, the beach is enormous, perfect for dog walking, sand art, or simply clearing your head.

4. Support Local: The area surrounding the Beacon is filled with charming cafes and traditional fish and chip shops. Nothing beats a warm bag of chips after a breezy climb!

Final Thoughts

The Redcar Beacon is more than just a building; it’s a statement of intent. It celebrates the height, the heritage, and the horizon of a town that is proudly evolving. It offers a moment of reflection—a chance to stand above the hustle and bustle of the Esplanade and look out at the infinite beauty of the North Yorkshire coast.

Next time you find yourself in the North East, don't just drive past. Stop, climb, and see the world from the Beacon.

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All the images remain the copyright of Colin Green

A Moody Monochrome Wander: Sowerby Bridge's Canals and Heritage

Date: November 24, 2019

There’s a certain kind of beauty in a gloomy, late-autumn walk, especially one that weaves through the industrial heritage of a place like Sowerby Bridge. On November 24th, 2019, I set out to trace a route along the town’s intersecting waterways—the Calder & Hebble Navigation and the Rochdale Canal—capturing the muted, atmospheric tones of the day.

Starting the Journey: Chain Bridge

My walk began at the Chain Bridge on the Calder & Hebble Navigation. The black-and-white view of the old stone buildings and the quiet, reflective water immediately set the mood . The towpath here, flanked by housing and overgrown banks , felt secluded, a peaceful contrast to the town’s bustling history.

The view towards Sowerby Bridge Canal Basin from Chain Bridge. The junction with the Rochdale Canal visible to the left. 

Chain Bridge

Chain Bridge, The Navigation Inn to the left. The bridge once used to have a chain pulled across to prevent access to the canal wharf on Sundays, hence the name Chain Bridge.

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The Heart of the Waterways: Locks and Tunnels

The route quickly led me to the junction where the Calder & Hebble meets the Rochdale Canal, one of the grand pioneers of the British canal system.

A highlight was the cluster of locks here. The sepia-toned view of Lock 1 , with its mist and the distant, looming sight of the Wainhouse Tower, felt like stepping back a century. A little further on, the view framed by bare branches over Lock 2 gave the industrial structures a sombre, cinematic quality.

I also took a moment to capture the imposing view near the Tuel Lane Tunnel entrance . Framed by the reflection in the dark canal water, the sturdy stone of the buildings and the tower of Christ Church stood as silent witnesses to Sowerby Bridge’s long past.

Kirkham Turn, The start of the Rochdale Canal.

Lock 1 on the Rochdale Canal.

Lock 1

Lock 2 on the Rochdale Canal.

Lock 1 viewed from Lock 2. Wainhouse Tower dominates the distant horizon.

Tuel Lane Tunnel and Christ Church. The canal was blocked here for decades.

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Hidden Paths and Arches

Leaving the main canal junction, I crossed the River Calder and followed the path beneath Lock Hill Bridge. This section was particularly evocative. The cobbled path, walled in by rough stone and corrugated iron , felt like a secret passage. The tunnel-like perspective, captured in warm sepia, highlighted the rugged textures and the long-forgotten shortcuts of the area.

The River Calder from Lock Hill Bridge.

Lock Hill Bridge

After passing through the dimly lit subway beneath Sowerby Bridge Railway Station , I headed towards the local woodland, taking in sections of the River Ryburn and the lower parts of Dixon Scar Woods.

Sowerby Bridge Station Subway. The tunnel now blocked used to run on into the original station building that was demolished c1980.

The Jubilee Refreshment Rooms housed in the former station ticket office. This is all that remains of the magnificent station building demolished c1980.

River Ryburn

River Ryburn towards Station Road Bridge.

River Calder from County Bridge.

Football pitch at Dixon Scar Woods.

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The Final Stretch: Returning to the Canal

The final leg of the walk returned to the Rochdale Canal, starting near the remote and atmospheric Hollins Tunnel. The towpath here was quieter, covered in a blanket of damp leaves, with the dark, watery entrance of the tunnel beckoning .

I then walked along this quieter stretch, passing a moored narrowboat , with the dense woodland banks rising dramatically on the right.

The contrast between the industrial architecture and the natural landscape became more apparent as I reached the massive stone mill buildings that line the waterway . The walk concluded at Bridge 1A (Tower Hill) , another perfect archway framing the final view of the canal before heading back.

Hollins Tunnel.

Co-Op Bridge over the Rochdale Canal.

Bridge 1a Tower Hill.

This walk on a cold, grey day offered a unique perspective on Sowerby Bridge. The monochrome palette of the photographs—whether black-and-white or sepia—strips away the distraction of colour and forces you to appreciate the textures, the history, and the mood of the town’s incredible industrial waterways.

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All the images remain the copyright of Colin Green.

The Salvage Archive: Rediscovering Derwentwater through 35mm Slides from October 1978

 There is a unique magic found in the click of a slide projector and the warm, slightly dusty scent of a halogen bulb heating up. For collectors of vintage photography, these small, plastic-framed windows are more than just images; they are tactile time machines.

I have spent years hunting through antique fairs, estate sales, and online auctions to build my collection of found 35mm slides. There is a profound sense of responsibility that comes with being the custodian of someone else's memories. Recently, I unearthed a particularly stunning set that transported me back to the English Lake District during a very specific moment in time: October 1978.

These four slides capture the moody, ethereal beauty of Derwentwater—the "Queen of the Lakes"—just as the 1970s were drawing to a close.

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The Haunting Hues of a Cumbrian Autumn

The first thing that strikes you about these 1978 transparencies is the colour palette. Modern digital photography often feels "too sharp," lacking the organic grain and soft colour shifts of 35mm film. In these slides, the fells surrounding Keswick aren’t just green; they are a rich tapestry of russet, gold, and deep charcoal.

In the primary landscape shots, the iconic silhouette of Catbells and the surrounding Northwestern Fells dominate the horizon. The peaks are bathed in that soft, diffused October light that Lake District enthusiasts know so well. It’s a light that feels heavy with the coming winter, yet warm enough to set the autumn bracken ablaze with orange hues.

A Glimpse of the Keswick Launches

One of the most evocative images in this set shows the wooden jetties and the distinctive profile of a Keswick Launch. In 1978, these boats were already a historic staple of the lake, having ferried tourists since the Victorian era.

Looking at the slide, you can almost hear the gentle lap of the water against the timber piles and the distant call of a crow from the Friar’s Crag woods. The composition—framed by overhanging branches—is a classic example of 1970s amateur photography: thoughtful, unhurried, and deeply appreciative of the natural frame.

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Why "Found" Photography Matters

You might wonder why a collector would seek out the holiday snaps of a stranger from nearly 50 years ago. The answer lies in the authenticity of the gaze.

In 1978, taking a photograph was an intentional act. You only had 24 or 36 exposures on a roll. You didn’t see the result until weeks later when the yellow Kodak box arrived in the mail. This meant that the photographer chose this specific October day at Derwentwater because something about the light, the stillness of the water, or the shape of the mountains felt worth "saving."

These slides capture a Lake District that feels remarkably similar to the one we see today, yet subtly different. The shoreline in the fourth slide reveals a few vintage cars parked on the grass—automotive silhouettes that firmly anchor the scene in the late 70s. It serves as a reminder that while the mountains are eternal, our presence among them is fleeting.

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The Technical Charm of the 35mm Slide

From a technical standpoint, these slides have held up beautifully. The "sold 27-12" notation on the frames suggests these were perhaps part of a larger curated lot, sold during a winter long ago.

• Grain and Texture: The film grain adds a layer of "atmosphere" that digital filters try (and often fail) to replicate.

• Dynamic Range: Notice the way the shadows in the foreground trees remain deep and mysterious, while the sky retains a soft, milky texture.

• Historical Record: Beyond the aesthetics, these slides serve as a geographical record of lake levels and woodland density in the late 20th century.

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Preserving the Legacy of Derwentwater

Owning these slides feels like holding a secret. In October 1978, the person behind the lens stood on the shores of Derwentwater, perhaps wearing a heavy wool sweater and bell-bottom corduroys, marvelling at the same view that inspires us today.

By digitizing and sharing these images, we ensure that their "decisive moment" isn't lost to the back of a cupboard or a dusty attic. We are keeping the spirit of 1970s Cumbria alive, one slide at a time.

Whether you are a lover of the Lake District, a vintage film enthusiast, or someone who simply enjoys the nostalgia of a bygone era, these glimpses of Derwentwater remind us of the quiet beauty of the English landscape. They encourage us to slow down, look through the viewfinder, and appreciate the stillness of an autumn afternoon.

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Stone Sentinels and Industrial Dreams: A Winter Walk at All Saints Church, Salterhebble

Discovering Victorian Gothic grandeur and the final resting place of a confectionery legend on the hillsides of Halifax.

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The Spire Over the Valley

If you drive along the valley bottom south of Halifax, your eye is inevitably drawn upwards to a needle-sharp stone spire piercing the skyline. It belongs to All Saints Church in Salterhebble, a building that has stood sentinel over this industrial landscape since the mid-19th century.

To walk through its churchyard today, especially amid the rust-coloured bracken and bare trees of winter, is to step back into a time when Halifax was a powerhouse of the Victorian textile industry. It is a place of immense atmosphere, where the roar of modern traffic fades away, replaced by a quiet solemnity and architectural beauty.

The imposing spire of All Saints, framed by winter branches against a crisp blue sky. This vertical composition perfectly captures the church's dominance over the landscape.

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Architects of the Textile Boom

All Saints Church was consecrated in 1858. It was born out of necessity; the industrial revolution had swelled the local population, and the existing chapels could no longer cope.

The church was designed by the architectural partnership of Mallinson & Healey. If you look closely at churches across West Yorkshire, you will frequently find their names. They were the go-to architects for the region's booming mill towns, masters of the "Gothic Revival" style. They didn't just build functional spaces; they built statements of civic and religious pride, designed to emulate the soaring spirituality of medieval cathedrals, constructed from durable local stone.

The church is large, dignified, and solid—a perfect reflection of the confident era in which it was built.

The imposing spire of All Saints, framed by winter branches against a crisp blue sky. This vertical composition perfectly captures the church's dominance over the landscape.

Presented in sepia, the textures of the local stone construction and the rhythmic pattern of the lancet windows are brought to the fore.

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Victorian Views on Death and Status

TheVictorians did not hide away from death; they celebrated it with elaborate rituals and grand monuments. A person’s status in life was often reflected by the size of their memorial in death. All Saints churchyard is a fascinating necropolis, filled with the graves of mill owners, merchants, and the professionals who kept the town running.

While many stones are now leaning, reclaimed by ivy and tall grass, others remain starkly impressive. The grounds feature several significant "chest tombs" and mausoleums—above-ground burial chambers designed for wealthy families who wanted to ensure their legacy was visible long after they were gone.

Victorian funerary grandeur. This large, ornate chest tomb, featuring intricate carvings and cusped arches, indicates a family of significant wealth and local standing.

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A Sweet Slice of History: The Mackintosh Grave

Among the hundreds of weathered stones, there is one that holds a particular fascination for anyone interested in Halifax's commercial history—and anyone with a sweet tooth.

Tucked away in the churchyard is the family grave of John Mackintosh (1868–1920).

Known internationally as "The Toffee King," Mackintosh began his confectionery empire right here in Halifax. Starting with a small pastry shop, his unique blend of brittle English toffee and soft American caramel revolutionized the sweets industry. His company would eventually give the world beloved brands like Quality Street, Rolo, and Toffee Crisp. Standing before his modest but dignified memorial is a direct connection to a global business empire born in this very parish.

The final resting place of the "Toffee King." The inscription for John Mackintosh, J.P. (Justice of the Peace), is clearly visible in this black and white photograph.

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Atmosphere and Shadow

There is a distinct mood to All Saints that changes with the light. On a bright day, the warm Yorkshire stone glows against the blue sky. But when the clouds roll in, or when viewed through the lens of black and white photography, the church takes on a brooding, gothic atmosphere.

The interplay of shadow against the heavy masonry creates a sense of drama, highlighting the intricate carvings and the sheer weight of the history contained within these walls and grounds.

High drama and deep shadows. This monochrome shot captures a large mausoleum nestled against the church walls, emphasizing the gothic atmosphere of the site.

Visiting All Saints

All Saints, Salterhebble, remains a functioning place of worship and a vital part of the local community. When visiting the churchyard to explore its history and architecture, visitors are encouraged to remain respectful of the site as an active burial ground and a place of quiet reflection.

It is a location that rewards a slow walk and a keen eye, offering a profound connection to the generations that built the Halifax we know today.

I took these pictures on the 24th November 2023 with a Nikon d3300, clicking any of them should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

Please take a moment to share this post, follow me on social media, and explore my work on Clickasnap and Photo4Me using the links below. Your support means a lot!

All the images remain the copyright of Colin Green.